Brooks & Dunn - "If You See Her"

[StevePulaski]

If You See Her (1998)
By: Brooks & Dunn

Rating: ★★★

It's the late 1990's and Brooks & Dunn have already made themselves an established name in country music. With several smash singles, four strong albums, and a chemistry that is equal parts visceral and dynamic, there is no sign of them loosening up or losing their talent. Their fifth album, If You See Her, while never matching the greatness that came with their previous work Borderline, which I still consider the best thing Brooks & Dunn ever released, the strength of this particular work lies in the duo's ability to conjure up melodies and, in a greater sense, a concept album.

By now, Brooks & Dunn's songs have ditched the grainier, more rugged sound of the 1990's country music in favor for a sleeker, more polished aesthetic (one that would only rise to greater prominence on Steers & Stripes, their album following this one). "How Long Gone," the opening track and one of the album's singles, is evident of this just by the way the song is manipulated, with Dunn's vocals frequently overlapping Brooks' in the midst of some shifty breaks from form.

Following up the strong titular track are songs like "Husbands and Wives," a cover of the Roger Miller tune that paints a dreary picture of domesticity that many of us probably know. This song, along with "You're My Angel," really exploit the powerhouse vocals Ronnie Dunn has long had and has never been afraid to share. "You're My Angel" specifically shows Dunn on top of his vocal game, bringing down the house in a bigger manner than he did with "My Maria," which relied on yodeling and unique chords for maximum effect.

Furthermore, "Brand New Whiskey" brings the more recognizable, lighthearted side of Brooks & Dunn to light thanks to its love for alcohol and overcoming the sickness of heartbreak. A tune of similar sorts is "I Can't Get Over You," which covers the barroom weeper Brooks & Dunn also love to dish out. If You See Her's crowning achievement, however, in a single song is the titular track, which has Dunn and Reba playing a separated couple, who vocalize their surprisingly kind sentiments for one another, amidst their own, with the reminder to inform the listener if they see him/her. It's a tender, sad song that not only provides both points of view on a specific relationship but does so in a way that doesn't cater to the kind of cynicism a song like this could easily be manipulated into including.

Finally, "Born and Raised in Black and White" is an interesting tune, especially for Brooks & Dunn, as it examines their religious sides well before their acclaimed album Red Dirt Road took it to greater prominence. This particular song shows the dichotomy of a person's choice to choose between dark and light, and how Christians are raised to see right and wrong versus the many shades of gray that exist in which to view things. This song almost assembles itself on ground that criticizes Christianity but manages to be a catchy and well-sung testament to decision-making I won't soon forget.

If You See Her is a pleasant stroll of a country album, showcasing the strong talents of Dunn's vocal range once again, Brooks' more humble ability to be a rollicker and a crooner, and the duo's consistent talent and dynamic chemistry. If Brooks & Dunn albums aren't the emotional rollercoaster for you that they are to me, there's still undeniable talent and excitement bursting at the seems from these men that is so very rare in the country genre.

Recommended tracks (in order): "Born and Raised in Black and White," "Brand New Whiskey," "How Long Gone," and "If You See Her/If You See Him."